2011 CIX Estate Vineyard Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The highlight in this range from Aubert, the 2011 Chardonnay CIX Estate is fabulous. Bright and focused, the 2011 remains wonderfully fresh and vibrant for a wine of its age. The magnum format surely helps, but wow, what a wine! Lemon peel, crushed rocks, mint, white flowers and white pepper lend tons of brilliance. Readers who are cellaring the 2011 should the thrilled. This is another stunning wine from Mark and Teresa Aubert made from vines that were just six years old.
Critic scores
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Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Big yet balanced sums this wine up. Lots of dried apricot and cooked pear character. Full-bodied. So much there. Solid. Phenolic texture. Seems to be tightening with age! Drink now.
The 2011 Chardonnay CIX Vineyard is the least expressive of these single-vineyard wines. Bright floral notes meld into various shades of citrus. There is plenty of polish, but the CIX doesn't have anywhere the level of complexity and/or nuance of the best wines in the range. Today, the CIX appears to still be somewhat of a work in progress relative to the high level that is customary throughout the rest of the range.
The 2011 Chardonnay CIX Vineyard is the least expressive of these single-vineyard wines. Bright floral notes meld into various shades of citrus. There is plenty of polish, but the CIX doesn’t have anywhere near the level of complexity and/or nuance of the best wines in the range. Today, the CIX appears to still be somewhat of a work in progress relative to the high level that is customary throughout the rest of the range. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.
About the producer
The Aubert wines, particularly the Chardonnay, have a cult following – beloved for their rich, hedonistic style. Created by Mark and Theresa Aubert in 1999, the property makes some of California’s most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all from single vineyards across Sonoma.